'I just did Hong Kong on a budget. Here's everything you need to see and do.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Discover Hong Kong

There's a certain set of criteria that takes a destination from good to truly unforgettable. It needs a mix of great food, places to relax, outdoor activities, sightseeing and if possible, some retail therapy.

Bonus points if it's easy to get to — no 30-hour flights, thanks.

I've been fortunate enough to travel the world, and despite visiting countless countries, one place consistently meets all my criteria: Hong Kong.

The place holds a special place in my heart. It's where my parents got married, the first foreign country I ever visited and somewhere I've returned to every year to see family and friends.

Whether you're after luxury — think Michelin dining and rooftop bars — or budget-friendly street food and affordable accommodation, Hong Kong has it all.

And because I truly believe everyone should experience the magic of this city at least once, I've put together a carefully curated travel guide, packed with only the best (and most affordable) things to do.

How to get around Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong's public transport is fast, affordable and reliable. Get an Octopus card (physical or digital via Apple Wallet) for easy, cash-free payments on transport, at restaurants, shops, museums and plenty more.

MTR (Mass Transit Railway): This connects key districts across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. You can even catch it to link to Lantau Island.

Ding Ding (trams): Perfect for short trips, Hong Kong's iconic trams cost just a few dollars to hop on and off. They operate only on Hong Kong Island and offer a unique way to see the city.

Star Ferry: This is perfect for crossing Victoria Harbour. The ferries run every 10 minutes or so and each trip will only cost you a few dollars.

My hot tip is to catch this just before 8pm for the best front-row seats to the A Symphony of Lights show that takes place along the harbour every evening.

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The best neighbourhoods and hotels in Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong has four main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and outlying islands.

For city life, stay near Central, the Peak, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay or Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island, or in Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon side for shopping, sightseeing and Victoria Harbour views.

For nature, the New Territories offers beaches, hiking trails and islands like Lantau, Cheung Chau and Lamma, all just a short trip away.

Accommodation options in the area offer a blend of style, convenience and value, providing easy access to both city life and natural beauty without the hefty price tag. Here are a couple of my top picks:

The Fleming: Situated in the heart of Wan Chai, this stylish four-star boutique hotel boasts interiors inspired by Hong Kong's iconic cross-harbour ferries. It's about a two-minute walk from the MTR station and five minutes from the tram.

The Arca: This is, without a doubt, my favourite place to stay. Nestled in the industrial Southern District, this modern boutique four-star hotel feels like a five-star experience.

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How to eat like a local in Hong Kong.

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Yee Shun Milk Company: A beloved nostalgic Cantonese chain famous for its steamed milk puddings, available in a variety of flavours.

Joy Hing Roasted Meat: A historic establishment founded in the late Qing Dynasty (going all the way back to the 1800s!), renowned for serving some of the city's best authentically charcoal-roasted siu mei (traditional Cantonese roast meat).

Eight Treasures: Go for some of the city's best beef brisket noodles. Expect tender meat that melts in your mouth and noodles that have the perfect bite.

Kwan Kee Claypot Rice: Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this small eatery serves charcoal-cooked clay pot rice (please try the white eel variety).

While it can take up to an hour for your rice after placing your order, trust me — it's well worth the wait.

Sing Heung Yuen: This open-air dai pai dong (aka open-air food stall) institution is popular with both locals and tourists, known for its tomato macaroni soup and crispy buns with lemon and honey.

Kau Kee: Open since the 1930s, this spot sees hundreds of people lining up daily to try the famous beef brisket noodles in clear broth and the beef curry noodles.

Dessert.

Bakehouse: There's not a day that goes by without me dreaming of their famous sourdough egg tarts, made with a croissant-style crust.

Shari Shari: A Japanese dessert house serving ice shaved into a light and fluffy texture, then covered with flavoured syrup and condensed milk (the matcha, strawberry and black sesame flavours are my go-tos).

A word of warning: This place gets packed out, so be prepared to wait for a seat or visit during off-peak hours.

Coffee.

Hara Kako: This specialty café, featured in the city's best guides, sources top brews from around the world.

The ground floor has industrial chic vibes with stripped walls, bare concrete and exposed pipes making it the perfect spot for coffee and cheesecake.

Upstairs, you'll find an artistic space filled with artwork, books, vinyl and wooden furnishings plus a large dining table and sofas.

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The best spots to visit in Hong Kong.

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Temples.

Man Mo Temple: This is among the oldest and most well-known temples in Hong Kong. It was built during the second colonial period in honour of two Gods — Man Cheong (God of Literature) and Mo Tai (God of Martial Arts).

Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery: Easily identified by the statue of the 34-metre tall Tian Tian Buddha, which took 12 years to complete.

Chi Lin Nunnery: Founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns, the temple was rebuilt in 1998, following traditional Tang dynasty architecture.

Markets.

Temple Street Night Markets: The most famous market, operating from 6pm to midnight. Come for a mix of inexpensive souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, electronics and local street food vendors or just soak up the Hong Kong night vibes.

Ladies Market: You'll find a wider variety of budget clothing and accessories here (compared to Temple Street, which sells a bit of everything).

Cat Street Market: This is a great place for vintage items, antiques, replica furniture and unique souvenirs with a more laid-back vibe.

Art hubs and galleries.

Hong Kong Palace Museum: A cultural landmark with a myriad of history, from ceremonial silk robes to decorative porcelain, ancient jade and jewellery.

Tai Kwun: A revitalised police compound turned cultural hub featuring contemporary art exhibitions, immersive installations, cultural events and a lineup of performances.

Central — Mid Levels Escalator: Take the escalator to the laneway, where you'll find vibrant street art, heritage buildings, galleries and cafés, all nestled in one of the city's most historic and cultural neighbourhoods.

M+: One of the world's largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture. Just the exterior of the museum itself, which resembles a flatscreen TV, is breathtaking.

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Hikes.

Pok Fu Lam to The Peak: A scenic 6km hike through both nature and cityscapes. The path is paved all the way, making it suitable for families and kids.

Lions Rock: A 495-metre-high mountain on the Kowloon Peninsula, known for its silhouette resembling a lion. This moderately challenging trail features steep steps but rewards hikers with incredible city views.

Tai Mo Shan: The highest peak in Hong Kong, taking you through a jungle and several waterfalls before offering incredible panoramic views from the top. The full trail from bottom to top is about 10km, though shorter routes are available.

To plan your budget-friendly trip, explore Discover Hong Kong.

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For everything from attractions, events, dining and shopping to maps, guided tours, and travel itineraries head to Discover Hong Kong to start planning your next Hong Kong holiday.